Seafood Pasta

Tortellini With Shrimp And Cream

Name: Tortellini With Shrimp And Cream
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 package (20 oz) cheese-filled tortellini; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons lemon juice

By Esme Calloway · June 19, 2026 · Seafood Pasta

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

As a coastal home cook, I'm always on the lookout for simple yet impressive seafood recipes. One of my favorites is Tortellini With Shrimp And Cream, a dish that's both elegant and easy to make. I remember the first time I tried it - I was impressed by how the creamy sauce coated the tortellini and the succulent shrimp. Since then, it's become a staple in my household.

What I love about this recipe is that it's perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's quick, delicious, and can be made with just a few ingredients. The shrimp and cream sauce are a match made in heaven, and the tortellini adds a nice texture to the dish. Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking for a new recipe to try, this one is sure to please.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make Tortellini With Shrimp And Cream. From cooking the tortellini to making the creamy sauce, I'll share my tips and tricks to ensure that your dish turns out perfect. So, let's get started!

One of the best things about this recipe is that it's highly customizable. You can use different types of tortellini, such as cheese or spinach, and add your own favorite ingredients to the sauce. I like to add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to give it extra flavor. The possibilities are endless, and I'm excited to see how you'll make this recipe your own.

So, if you're ready to try a new seafood recipe that's sure to impress, keep reading. I'll share my secrets for making the perfect Tortellini With Shrimp And Cream, and you'll be enjoying a delicious dinner in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, as it can be made in under 30 minutes.
The creamy sauce and succulent shrimp make it a decadent and indulgent treat.
You can customize the recipe to your liking by adding your favorite ingredients to the sauce.
It's a great way to get your daily dose of seafood and pasta.
The recipe is foolproof, and even a beginner can make it with ease.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe is the combination of the creamy sauce and the succulent shrimp. The sauce is made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of garlic, which gives it a rich and indulgent flavor. The shrimp are cooked to perfection, with a nice sear on the outside and a tender interior.

The tortellini is also an important component of this dish. I like to use cheese-filled tortellini, which adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish. The cheese melts slightly when you cook the tortellini, creating a creamy and indulgent sauce.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the cooking technique. I use a combination of sautéing and simmering to cook the shrimp and the sauce. This helps to create a rich and flavorful sauce that coats the tortellini and the shrimp perfectly.

Overall, this recipe works because of the combination of the creamy sauce, the succulent shrimp, and the perfectly cooked tortellini. It's a match made in heaven, and I'm sure you'll love it just as much as I do.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The most important components are the shrimp, the tortellini, and the heavy cream. You'll also need some Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon juice to add flavor to the sauce.

When shopping for the ingredients, make sure to choose fresh and high-quality items. The shrimp should be firm and have a nice pink color, while the tortellini should be fresh and not dried out. The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese should be of good quality, as they will add a rich and creamy flavor to the sauce.

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveinedI like to use fresh and sustainable shrimp for this recipe. You can also use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them first.
1 package (20 oz) cheese-filled tortelliniI prefer to use cheese-filled tortellini for this recipe, but you can also use spinach or meat-filled tortellini if you prefer.
2 tablespoons unsalted butterThe butter is used to sauté the shrimp and add flavor to the sauce. You can also use olive oil if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedThe garlic adds a nice flavor to the sauce, but be careful not to overdo it. You can also use garlic powder if you prefer.
1 cup heavy creamThe heavy cream is the base of the sauce, and it adds a rich and creamy flavor to the dish. You can also use half-and-half or whole milk if you prefer.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheeseThe Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty flavor to the sauce, and it helps to thicken it. You can also use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar.
1 teaspoon dried thymeThe thyme adds a nice herbal flavor to the sauce, but you can also use other herbs such as basil or oregano.
1/2 teaspoon saltThe salt helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients, and it adds a nice depth to the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperThe black pepper adds a nice kick to the sauce, but be careful not to overdo it. You can also use white pepper if you prefer.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsleyThe parsley adds a nice fresh flavor to the dish, and it helps to balance out the richness of the sauce.
2 tablespoons lemon juiceThe lemon juice adds a nice brightness to the sauce, and it helps to cut through the richness of the cream.

Ingredients for Tortellini With Shrimp And Cream

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté panInstant-read thermometerLarge pot for boiling tortelliniColander or strainerWhiskMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Tortellini With Shrimp And Cream

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the tortellini.
2
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they are pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
3
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
5
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and thyme. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6
Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss it with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water.
7
Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss everything together.
8
Season the dish with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
9
Transfer the tortellini and shrimp to a serving platter or individual plates. Spoon some of the creamy sauce over the top and garnish with parsley.
10
Check the internal temperature of the shrimp with an instant-read thermometer to ensure it reaches 145 F (63 C).
11
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
12
Serve the dish hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Make sure to not overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh and sustainable shrimp, to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Don't be afraid to add your own favorite ingredients to the sauce, such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms.
If you're using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking.
To prevent the sauce from becoming too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water as needed.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
You can also make this recipe with other types of seafood, such as scallops or mussels, if you prefer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the shrimp, which can make them tough and rubbery.
Not reserving enough pasta water, which can result in a too-thick sauce.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not letting the dish rest before serving, which can result in a sauce that's too thin or too thick.
Not seasoning the dish enough, which can result in a bland flavor.
Not using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the shrimp.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
Using other types of seafood, such as scallops or mussels, instead of shrimp.
Adding some grated nutmeg or paprika to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
Using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, instead of Parmesan.
Adding some chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, to the sauce for extra flavor.
Using gluten-free tortellini for a gluten-free version of the recipe.
Adding some diced ham or bacon to the sauce for a smoky flavor.

What to Serve With Tortellini With Shrimp And Cream

This dish is perfect for serving with a side of garlic bread or a green salad. You can also serve it with some steamed vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli, for a well-rounded meal.

Some other options for serving this dish include:

- A side of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots.

- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.

- Some crusty bread, such as baguette or ciabatta, for dipping in the sauce.

Garlic breadGreen saladSteamed vegetablesRoasted vegetablesCrusty bread

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Simply cook the tortellini and shrimp, then store them in separate containers in the fridge.

To reheat the dish, simply combine the cooked tortellini and shrimp in a skillet with some of the creamy sauce. Heat everything over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warm and the tortellini are heated through.

You can also freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Simply cook the tortellini and shrimp, then combine them with the creamy sauce in a freezer-safe container. Label the container with the date and the contents, then store it in the freezer.

To reheat a frozen dish, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warm and the tortellini are heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of shrimp you prefer, but I recommend using large shrimp for this recipe. They have a nicer texture and flavor than smaller shrimp, and they're easier to cook evenly.

Can I use other types of seafood instead of shrimp?

Yes, you can use other types of seafood instead of shrimp. Some options include scallops, mussels, or even fish like cod or tilapia. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and method according to the type of seafood you're using.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

To prevent the sauce from becoming too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water as needed. You can also add some extra heavy cream or half-and-half if you prefer a creamier sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply cook the tortellini and shrimp, then store them in separate containers in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, simply combine the cooked tortellini and shrimp in a skillet with some of the creamy sauce and heat everything over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warm and the tortellini are heated through.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze this dish. Simply cook the tortellini and shrimp, then combine them with the creamy sauce in a freezer-safe container. Label the container with the date and the contents, then store it in the freezer. When you're ready to reheat, simply thaw the dish overnight in the fridge, then reheat it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warm and the tortellini are heated through.

How do I reheat a frozen dish?

To reheat a frozen dish, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warm and the tortellini are heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat the sauce.

What's the best way to serve this dish?

This dish is perfect for serving with a side of garlic bread or a green salad. You can also serve it with some steamed vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli, for a well-rounded meal.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free tortellini and being careful not to cross-contaminate with gluten-containing ingredients.

The Full Recipe

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